The management of federal education relief funds in Oklahoma during the pandemic fell under intense scrutiny this week.
A grand jury report found significant mishandling of funds by Gov. Kevin Stitt and State Superintendent Ryan Walters, yet no criminal charges were recommended.
The inquiry examined the administration's use of $39.9 million in federal Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) funds. This investigation, prompted by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, revealed failures in oversight, resulting in misspent aid that was critical for schools.
Grand jury findings highlighted the lack of internal checks in managing these funds, particularly pointing to Ryan Walters. As head of Every Kid Counts Oklahoma, Walters was assigned significant financial duties despite having no prior federal grant experience.
The jury found evidence of $1.7 million spent on inappropriate items in the “Bridge the Gap Digital Wallet” program. Jennifer Carter's management of the “Stay in School” initiative also drew criticism, with some families benefitting unduly, unaffected by pandemic hardships.
The jury reported improper political data collection within the Stay in School program. They reflected harshly on the administrative choices that led to the exclusion of those in need.
Abegail Cave, a communicator for the governor, defended the administration, suggesting the inquiry was a political maneuver during the attorney general’s campaign. Walters likewise deflected blame towards a vendor for the digital wallet issues. This stance contradicted the grand jury's conclusions, which cited his ill-advised judgments.
The state now faces a demand from the federal government to return $650,000 due to improper expenditures. Additionally, $6.5 million allocated for private school aid remains questioned, yet unreturned.
Notwithstanding these shortcomings, the Oklahoma State Department of Education, under then-Superintendent Joy Hofmeister, successfully managed its allocation of $8 million from the same GEER funds.
In light of these findings, the grand jury proposed mandated grant management training for agencies managing substantial federal monies. These measures aim to prevent future mismanagement that could hinder aid distribution to vulnerable populations in crises.
This entire scenario brought to light the potential perils of entrusting significant funds to individuals and entities without ample guidance or experience in federal grant oversight.
Despite the turmoil, the administration displayed determination to actively improve processes and ensure future compliance with federal guidelines.
In conclusion, Oklahoma leaders faced severe criticism for their administration of pandemic relief efforts. Grand Jury reports disclosed grave errors and recommended corrective steps, yet no criminal charges will follow. Kevin Stitt and Ryan Walters managed key programs amid controversy, at the cost of assistance to those most in need, highlighting the perpetual need for diligent oversight.
